Easy Smoked Meatballs Recipe on Pellet Smoker

This smoked meatballs recipe is great way to make a huge batch of meatballs with a light smoky flavor on your pellet smoker. These smoked meatballs can be served as a main course with your favorite marinara sauce and spaghetti or can be a great appetizer for a game day party. No matter what, these tasty meatballs will have your crowd happy.

The Taste of Tender Smoked Meatballs

​Every time I smoke a big batch of meatballs, I am so satisfied and happy with the results. The meatballs have a slightly browned crisp edge on the outside with a perfectly tender and juicy meat on the inside. By adjusting the temperature and cook time, you can hit the exact level of smokiness you want.

So, whether you are craving a classic Italian meatball or a turned up BBQ meatball, this smoked meatball recipe will work for you.

Simple Smoked Meatball Ingredients

This recipe is really about the method. The meatballs themselves are very traditional and you can modify however you like. I like these simple and wholesome ingredients that pack tons of flavor and create a perfect tender texture.

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound sausage
• 1 egg + 1 egg yolk
• ½ cup bread crumbs
• minced garlic
• minced onions, carrots, and celery
• parmesan cheese (optional)
• worcestershire sauce (optional)
• salt and pepper

Making the Meatballs

I have listed the recipe that I like for homemade meatballs, but if you already have a favorite family recipe, use that and skip ahead to HOW TO SMOKE MEATBALLS.

1. Using a knife or small food processor, mince the garlic, onion, carrot, and celery into very small pieces. 
2. In a small pan set to medium- sauté the vegetables with a little olive oil until they are completely tender.
3. To make the meatball mixture, combine these ingredients in a large bowl: ground beef, sausage, egg, breadcrumbs, cooked vegetables, parmesan cheese for Italian meatballs OR Worcestershire sauce for BBQ meatballs. 
4. Put on some disposable gloves and mix the meat mixture by hand. 
5. From here, roll the balls out into a consistent size and set on a plate or wire rack over a sheet pan.

Temperature and Cook Time Guide

This recipe is flexible on the temperature and cook time. You can go low and slow or crank up the heat and get it done quickly. 

Aside from the temperature of your smoker, the size of the meatball will also affect the total cook time. The guide below is based on 1 ½" sized meatballs. But don't worry about getting this just right. You are aiming for an internal temperature of 150-155˚F. 

225˚F for 1 and half hours

275˚F for 1 hour

350˚F for 25 minutes

How to Smoke Meatballs 

1. Preheat your pellet smoker to desired temperature.
2. Place the meatballs on a wire rack. When the Traeger has reached the desired temperature, place the wire rack directly on the grill grates and close the lid.
3. Use the above temperature guide and follow along for desired results.
4. Remove the meatballs with the wire rack and serve immediately or transfer to a crockpot to keep warm.

Serving Options for Homemade Meatballs

After you have finished cooking your smoked meatballs and removed them from the pellet smoker, finish them off with these serving suggestions.

Italian Meatballs- transfer cooked meatballs to a large pot or crockpot and pour over your favorite jarred marinara sauce. Serve with cooked pasta or on a sub roll with mozzarella cheese as a delicious meatball sandwich.

Swedish Meatballs- these tender meatballs are out of this world with a sour cream-based sauce served over egg noodles, garnished with parsley, and served along-side fresh green beans. 

Sweet and Sour OR Teriyaki- for a meaty little appetizer, pour your favorite sweet and sour sauce or teriyaki sauce. I love these out of a crockpot set to low because they are the perfect protein-packed small bite. 

Saving and Reheating Instructions

Transfer leftover meatballs to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. These are best reheated in sauce either in a pan over medium heat or back in a crockpot for serving.